Game table and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

A game table, notably a rectangular game table, with at least one playing surface, preferably a shuffleboard surface, disposed between a first end and a second end of the table, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width. This table may also comprise at least one reflective surface and/or a trough, while requiring less surface area for better placement in arcades and other gaming environments.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.11/529,810, filed Sep. 29, 2006, for Game Table and Method of Making theSame, the specification of which is incorporated by reference.Application Ser. No. 11/529,810 claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of the provisional application filed Oct. 3, 2005 under 35U.S.C. § 111(b), which was granted Ser. No. 60/722,939. This provisionalapplication is also incorporated herein by reference. Application Ser.No. 11/529,810 is co-pending as of the filing date of the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to amusement table games, including shuffleboardtable games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a table, notably a rectangular game tablethat aids in manufacture and shipping such that the table has a firstend and a second end and a top. Notably, the table comprises at leastone playing surface, preferably a shuffleboard surface disposed betweenthe first end and the second end, wherein the playing surface has afirst end width and a second end width and a perimeter, such that thefirst end width is greater than the second end width. This table mayalso comprise at least one bumper or other reflective surface disposedat the second end such that the bumper is in contact with the playingsurface and therefore may be able to reflect or otherwise change thedirection of pucks balls or other sliding or rolling devices.

In a preferred embodiment a trough is formed about the perimeter of theplaying surface such that pucks, balls or other items venturing off theedge of the playing surface are collected. In a preferred embodiment,this playing surface is a shuffleboard surface. This invention offersthe advantage of being able to place the table at a more comfortableheight for the user in light of the fact that the length of the table isconsiderably less than the length of the prior art.

Additionally, the surface area of the playing surface can besignificantly less than the prior art, thus allowing for betterplacement in arcades and other gaming environments.

The advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description of apreferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view showing how the present invention may be placedamong other games along the wall of an establishment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the construction shown in FIG. 4.

Those skilled in the art will recognize a significant deviation from thefigures shown herein is considered to be within the scope of theinvention, and nothing herein shall be considered to limit the scope ofthe invention as dependent in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes an embodiment of arectangular game table 10 wherein the table has a first end 12, and asecond end 14 opposite the first end 12. The table 10 also has a top 15that will be discussed in greater detail below. As shown, the table 10,being rectangular in shape is a standard shape that allows forconvenient packaging, shipping, and assembly. Moreover, as will bediscussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 3, the rectangularshape of the table 10 allows for better and more efficient placement oftable 10.

Table 10 has a playing surface 16 shown herein to be a wooden surface,most preferably a shuffleboard surface. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the shuffleboard surface shown in FIG. 1 is but oneembodiment and that any surface such as wood, metal, plastic, composite,or other material may be used for the playing surface 16. It ispreferable that playing surface 16 is planar and would include anyplaying surface coating known to those skilled in the art to reducesliding or rolling friction. Examples of these materials include waxes,powders, and similar materials.

Additionally, those skilled in the art recognize that a planar playingsurface 16 parallel with the ground is but a preferred embodiment andnothing herein should limit the variation, configuration, or consistencyof the playing surface 16.

Notably, playing surface 16 may comprise at least one fixed or movableinclination.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the playing surface 16 is disposedbetween the first end 12 and the second end 14. As shown, the first end12 has a first end width 18 and the second end 14 has a second end width20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first end width 18may exceed, equal, or be less than the second end width 20. Notably, asshown, the first end width 18 is greater than the second end width 20.Furthermore, the playing surface 16 has a perimeter 22 about the playingsurface 16. The interaction of the perimeter 22 in the playing surface16 will be discussed in greater detail herein.

Moreover, at least bumper 24 or similar reflective and or deflectivemember is in contact with the second end 14 of the playing surface 16.Notably, it is preferably that the bumper 24 has a length of at leastthe length of the second end width 20. This arrangement allows for pucks50 to be reflected or deflected after coming into contact with thebumper 24. Those skilled in the art recognize that in addition to thepucks 50 shown in FIG. 1, any balls or similar sliding or rollingdevices may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

By incorporating at least one bumper 24 with the playing surface 16, theoverall 15 length of the table 10 may be less than that of traditionalshuffleboard tables. After reflection or deflection of pucks 50, balls,or similar sliding or rolling devices off of the bumper 24, thesesliding or rolling devices will reverse direction and approach first end12 of the table 10. As discussed above, the formation of the playingsurface 16 such that the first end width 18 is greater than the secondend width 20 will allow for greater reception of reflected or deflectedsliding or rolling devices during play. The table 10 may include atrough 26 about the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16. This trough26 is sometimes referred to as a “puck pit”in the art. Those skilled inthe art recognize that the trough 26 is of sufficient width and depth toallow pucks 50 or similar devices that move beyond the perimeter 22 tofall off of the playing surface 16 and be collected for use insubsequent games. As noted in FIG. 1, the trough 26 is typically formedabout the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16 except in locationsthat include bumpers 14 such as the one formed in contact with theplaying surface 16 at the second end 14 of the table 10. The playingsurface 16 may be formed in a variety of dimensions that aid in theenjoyment of games using the table 10. In addition to the differences inthe first end width 18 and the second end with 20 of the playing surface16, it is preferable to form a channel 28 in the playing surface 16starting at the first end width 18 and partially extending toward butnot meeting the second end width 20 of the playing surface 16. As shownherein, the inclusion of the channel 28 in the playing surface 16provides for an appearance that approximates an upside down Vconfiguration. Additionally, the trough 26 is similarly formed in thechannel 28. Those skilled in the art recognize that the channel 28 isdepicted such that the trough 26 is formed in the channel 28, but thatthis is but one embodiment of the channel 28.

This arrangement allows for a greater difficulty level to beincorporated into the game being played on the table 10. Notably,players initiating a play from the left branch 30 of the playing surface16 must propel the puck 50 such that it traverses the length of theplaying surface 16, reflects or deflects off of the bumper 24, and thentraverses at least a portion of the length of the playing surface 16,coming to rest on the second branch 32 of the playing surface 16.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that this method of playinggames on the table 10 may be reversed, such that the sliding or rollingof the puck 50 or similar device occurs from the second branch 32wherein the puck 50 comes a rest in the first branch 30. This method ofplay requires more skill to initiate a play that allows for the puck 50to come to a rest on the opposite branch without falling into the trough26.

Furthermore, the final position of the puck 50 may be measured orotherwise determined. One method of determining the final position ofthe puck is shown in FIG. 1 with scoring lines 34. As shown herein, thescoring lines reward a player that is able to propel the puck 50 fromone branch to the opposite branch via the bumper 24 such that the finalresting place of the puck 50 is near the first end 12 while avoiding thetrough 28 and remaining on the surface 16. Points may be assigned toincremental distances that increase with the proximity.

As shown herein, the points awarded for each play increase from onepoint to four points based on the final resting point of the puck 50.Those skilled in the art recognize that the use of table 10 in gamesinvolving a plurality of pucks 50 may include the provision that theassessment of points are not awarded until all plays have been made. Itis possible that a subsequent puck 50 may interact with at least onepreviously played puck such that the final position of the previous puckor pucks is changed. For example, it is possible that a second puck maycollide with a first puck such that one or both pucks enter the trough.

Table 10 is preferably formed in a rectangular configuration. Aplurality of legs 36 may be attached to the table 10. The arrangement isshown in an assembled condition in FIG. 1. Notably, the legs 36 arepreferably removable to aid in the packing, shipping, and storage of thetable 10. In a preferred embodiment, the table 10 is formed with atleast one cavity capable of containing the legs 36 such that the size ofthe shipping carton for the table 10 in an unassembled condition isminimized. Each cavity is designed such the legs 36 may also be storedwithin the cavity during storage.

Legs 10 may be of a certain length or adjustable to allow for the top 15of the table to be at a comfortable height for game play. Rather thanstooping or leaning over the previous shuffleboard tables that wereapproximately 2.5 feet in height, it is preferable for the top 15 of thetable to be at least about three feet in height from the ground. Thisenables the players to address the game without having to lean over inan awkward arrangement.

As shown herein, legs 36 may include feet 37 such that the feet 37provide the adjustment in height. In one embodiment, the feet 37 canprovide the ability to adjust the height at each leg 36 such that thetable 10 is level.

The playing surface 16 of the table 10 may be configured in a variety ofdimensions. preferably, the length of the playing surface is less thanabout ten feet in length, most preferably six feet in length. Thislength, which is considerably less than previous, traditionalshuffleboard tables, allows for the location of the table 10 inconsiderably more places. Moreover, the width of the table is preferablyless than eight feet, most preferably four feet. The preferredembodiment is therefore about 36 square feet including room for theplayers as opposed to the about 182 square feet of surface areaincluding room for the players and the aisle areas found in the previousshuffleboard tables.

The arrangement of the playing surface 16 such that first end width 18is greater 15 than the second end width 20 creates at least onereceptive area 38 on the top 15 of table 10 near the second end 12 ofthe table. Each receptive area 38 is helpful to players or bystandersthat wish to position items such as drinks, food, cigarettes, orpersonal items on the top 15 of the table 10. Notably, a portion or allof each receptive area may be in the same plane of the top 15 or a lowerdepression such as a drink holder or similar depression. Moreover, thesereceptive areas 38 are prime locations for the inclusion of placards,advertisements, directions, rules, or similar indicia. Any portion ofthe top 15 may include at least one receptive area 38. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the receptive areas 38 may be located withinthe same plane of the top 15 or may include depressions such as theformation of a drink cup holder configuration. Furthermore, the entiretable 10 may provide for the placement of advertisements, graphics,words, and similar indicia.

Additionally, the table 10 may include score displays 40 wherein thevalue shown may be increased or decreased by pressing or otherwisedepressing buttons 42. Those skilled in the art will recognize that anytechnique for keeping score may be included with the table. For example,the use of colored beadlike markers mounted on rods that may be movedoffers a cost effective method of keeping score. Similarly, a chalkboardor other writing surface may be included.

Furthermore, the inclusion of coin-operated controls 44, which are wellknow in the art, allows for the unit to 15 collect money for its use.The payment of a fee by inserting coins or similar monies into thecontrol 44 can deactivate puck or ball stops 46 shown in a retractedcondition in FIG. 1, wherein the stops 46 may lower to allow the puck 50to traverse the playing surface 16. When the game is completed, eithermeasured by points, time, or similar method, the stops 46 may rise viasolenoid activation or similar method to prevent the traversal of thepuck 50 on the playing surface 16.

Turning to FIG. 2, a different embodiment is shown. The embodiment shownalso depicts a rectangular game table 10, wherein the table has a firstend 12 and a second end 14 opposite the first end 12. The table 10 alsohas a slightly different top 15 that will be discussed in greater detailbelow. As shown the table 10, being rectangular in shape, is a standardshape that allows for convenient packaging shipping, and assembly.

Table 10 of this embodiment has a playing surface 16 shown herein to bea wooden surface, most preferably a shuffleboard surface. The aspects ofplaying surface 16 that were discussed with reference to FIG. 1 areequally applicable to this embodiment.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the playing surface 16 is disposedbetween the first end 12 and the second end 14. As shown, the first end12 has a first end width 18 and the second end 14 has a second end width20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first end width 18may exceed, equal, or be less than the second end width 20. Notably, asshown, the first end width 18 is greater than the second end width 20.

Additionally, the playing surface 16 has a perimeter 22 about theplaying surface 16. The interaction of the perimeter 22 in the playingsurface 16 will be discussed in greater detail herein.

Moreover, at least bumper 24 or similar reflective and or deflectivemember is in contact with the second end 14 of the playing surface 16.Notably, in this embodiment, the bumper 24 has a length greater than thelength of the second end width 20.

As previously discussed, by incorporating at least one bumper 24 withthe playing surface 16, the overall length of the table 10 is less thanthat of traditional shuffleboard tables.

As shown in FIG. 2, the table 10 may include a trough 26 about theperimeter 22 of the playing surface 16. Those skilled in the artrecognize that the trough 26 in this embodiment is still of sufficientwidth and depth to allow pucks 50 or similar devices that move beyondthe perimeter 22 to fall off of the playing surface 16 and be collectedfor use in subsequent games, but that the trough 26 near the second end14 of the table may be larger, due to the decreasing width of playingsurface 16 along the distance from the first end width 18 and the secondend width 20.

This configuration allows for a simpler manufacturing because the edgesof table 10 are of a uniform thickness. However, this embodiment doesnot provide for as significant of a receptive area 38 for the placementof items such as beverages, foods, and cigarettes or signage or placards

Most of the elements that are similarly marked as the embodiment shownin FIG.1, however the score displays 40 are slightly different. Namely,the score display contains a plurality of liquid crystal display, vacuumformed display, light emitting diode display, or similar method toprovide for an extended display of digits in the score display 40. Thevalues shown may be increased or decreased by pressing or otherwisedepressing buttons 42. In this embodiment, it is possible for thebuttons 42 to be connected to a calculating means for adding theadditional points scored during play.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiment shown hereinis but one of numerous variations of display and means of entryconsidered to be within the scope of the invention.

Turning to FIG. 3, an exemplary layout including the table of thisinvention 70 and a traditional shuffleboard table 72 are shown. Firstthe need for additional space about the perimeter of the traditionalshuffleboard table 72 is evident. Moreover, the table of this invention70, being a rectangular unit, may be placed between additional games 74and 76. Moreover, it is possible to put the table of this invention 70against a wall of the establishment.

Those skilled in the art recognize the techniques involved in thefabrication of the table 10. Of note, the scoring areas may be paintedor silk-screened, and a suitable finish 15 as discussed above istypically applied afterward. Portions such as the bumper 24 may he heldto the rest of the table by suitable cap screws, bolts, adhesives orother fastening materials. The legs, as previously discussed, representa portion of the table 10 that benefits from being removable forpacking, shipping, and storage. Due to the ease of shipping with thelegs removed and placed within at least one cavity of the bottom of thetable 10, the shipping container is effectively small. In a preferredembodiment, the container may have a length of less than about ten feet,a width of less than about five feet, and a depth of less than about twofeet.

Those skilled in the art also recognize that the scoring display 40, theelectronic controls 42, the coin operated controls 44, and the stops 46are an embodiment of effectuating the elements of the present invention.The inclusion of elements such as coin input boxes, coin counters,circuits, timers, point switches, start-game buttons, solenoids, switchcontacts, relays, springs, power sources, light emitting diodes, liquidcrystal displays, vacuum formed displays, time delay relay coils,alarms, buzzers, speakers, batteries, switches, microprocessors, logiccontrols, and similar components that may further the purposes of theinvention as disclosed and taught herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a modification of the present inventionis shown wherein the game table 10 is no longer rectangular. As with theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, the game table, now designated by thenumeral 70 since it is no longer rectangular, has a playing surface 16disposed between the first end 12A, and the second end 14A, of the table70. The playing surface 16 may have a first end width 18, and a secondend width 20. As before, the first end width 18 is greater than thesecond end width 20. The playing surface 16 again has perimeter 22thereabouts, and bumper 24 in contact with the second end of the playingsurface 16. Trough 26 is again provided about the perimeter 22 of theplaying surface 16.

As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the trough 22 is ofsubstantially uniform width about the perimeter 22 of the playingsurface 16. However, this is not accomplished by having the sidewalls oftable 10 of varying width, but by having first end 12A, and second end14A, of table 70 be of different dimensions. If first end 12A of table70 has a dimension which is a predetermined desired amount larger (2×D)that the dimension of the first end 18 of playing surface 16, and secondend 14A of table 70 has a dimension which is the same predetermineddesired amount larger (2×D) than the dimension of the second end 18 ofplaying surface 16, the sidewalls of table 70 will be spaced a uniformamount (2D−2W)÷2 from the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16. It ispreferred that the dimensions D and W be chosen such that the trough 26is sufficiently wide to permit easy return of the pucks 50, which mayhave fallen into trough 26, toward the first end 12A of the table 70.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatmodifications and changes may be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoingdisclosure and description of the invention are illustrative andexplanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape, materials,components, circuit elements, wiring connections and contacts, as wellas in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction andmethod of operation may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Having described the invention above, various modificationsof the techniques, procedures, material and equipment will be apparentto those in the art.

1. A rectangular game table having a first end and a second end and a top comprising at least one playing surface disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and a perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width, the game table also comprising at least one bumper or other reflective surface disposed at the second end such that the bumper is in contact with the playing surface and able to reflect or otherwise change the direction of pucks, balls, or other sliding or rolling devices.
 2. A non-rectangular game table having a first end and a second end, the first end being wider than the second end, the first end being connected to the second end by a pair of sidewalls, and a top, comprising at least one playing surface disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and a perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width, each of the pair of sidewalls of the game table being parallel to and spaced from the perimeter of the playing surface to form a trough between the playing surface and the sidewalls, the game table also comprising at least one bumper or other reflective surface disposed at the second end such that the bumper is in contact with the playing surface and able to reflect or otherwise change the direction of pucks, balls, or other sliding or rolling devices. 